Homicide Report > Vartan Avatyan, 18

Vartan Avatyan, 18

Died Oct. 17, 2010

Vartan Avatyan

Vartan Avatyan, identified by the coroner's office as an 18-year-old white man, was fatally shot Sunday, Oct. 17, in the 7200 block of North Lankershim Boulevard in Sun Valley, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Avatyan and several friends were at a taco stand about 12:40 a.m. when man described by witnesses as Latino walked up and started shooting at him, according to a Los Angeles Police Department news release.

Suffering from several gunshot wounds, Avatyan was taken to a hospital, where he died a short time later, police said.

The shooter is believed to have fled the area in a blue compact car.

Anyone with information about the identity of the shooter or details about Avatyan's death is asked to contact LAPD North Hollywood homicide detectives at (818) 623-4075. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477).

— Sarah Ardalani

7200 N. Lankershim Blvd.
 
 

Follow the Homicide Report on Twitter @latimeshomicide.

Updated: Dec. 6, 2010 at 11:39 a.m.

 
 

13 reader comments about Vartan Avatyan

Rest In Peace little homie. Too many youngsters dying lately. This racial tension is getting the homies riled up! We're gonna get on some 1995 stuff right about now ARA!

— normandie avenue
Oct. 19, 2010 at 12:45 p.m.

I WENT TO MIDDLE SCHOOL WITH VARTAN. He was a quiet humble guy..
rip bro

— SARKIS
Oct. 21, 2010 at 6 p.m.

Hello I am student in Miami and like to see whats going on in L.A. what do you mean by this comment? This racial tension is getting the homies riled up! We're gonna get on some 1995 stuff right about now ARA!
may your friend rest in peace...God Bless

Thanks in advance

— sagres
Oct. 21, 2010 at 9 p.m.

Whats going on out there in Los Angeles?

— goby
Oct. 21, 2010 at 9:04 p.m.

Vartan my wife and i became friends,we freguently visted his job in vannuys guiznos.He would allways say hi and knew are names.i would crack jokes with him and he would laugh and he would smile.I remember talking to him about were he lived and told him to change his dress and not to hang out at night around there because i grew up there for many years and remember all the gang activity and people being killed innocetley for mistaken identity.Are family will remember you and your smile and our son aswell p/s sorry for your loss your son was so much liked and friendly he will be missed

— Matthew
Oct. 21, 2010 at 10:50 p.m.

I have known Vartan for over 7 years and he is one of the most amazing person I've ever known. He always had a smile on his face and would make you laugh during hard times. I know his family too and they are very good people and didn't deserve this. Just two weeks ago I remember giving Vartan advice about classes at Valley, and now this? I hope the person who is responsible for this pays! I still can't believe your gone. RIP Vartan we miss you!

— A Close Friend
Oct. 23, 2010 at 4:35 p.m.

1995 stuff ? What is that suppose to mean,you better watch yourself. Who says he was killed because of race ? Maybe it didn't have to do with his race or ethnicity.

— Luizito
Oct. 30, 2010 at 5 p.m.

@Luizito, don't tell people to watch themselves. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and in this case, he is probably right. Get over yourself. RIP Vartan jan

— rabizara
Nov. 1, 2010 at 6:54 p.m.

Ive warned my friends not to hang out at taco stands to late in the night. This doesnt sound like a race thing or a personal vendetta, sound like its some kind of gang initiation. Just like the freeway shootings years ago. So tell your friends and loved ones the same thing Ive been telling mine. How can you crave tacos 1 in the morning anyways. But either way, RIP Vartan.

— Ara
Nov. 24, 2010 at 7:47 a.m.

R.I.P big cuz we love you and we all hope your doing good up there ! You were the best cousin ever...but now your gone, justice will be served .

— Cuzin
Dec. 23, 2010 at 10:10 a.m.

Dress like a gangsta, acting like a gangsta, will get you killed by a gangsta !!!!! Watch what you wear and how you act !!!!

— yakuza
Dec. 24, 2010 at 1:51 p.m.

I know the area pretty well, been at the Taco Stand lots of times.
NO-PARENT,BROTHER,SISTER,FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND deserves to go thru this pain and sorrow.
As a 1st. Generation Latino-I am ashame of my own race for their behavior and apologize to this young man's family.
The only color I see is the color RED which is the only color that connects us all-

— Colorless
Dec. 25, 2010 at 6:21 a.m.

Don't know this man personally, but heard a song dedicated to him by one of my favorite artists. According to said artist, Vartan was not gang related at all. I hope whoever was responsible was/is brought to justice.

Anyone who wants to hear the song can do so here -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV8hqfOLh4U

— CJ
March 16, 2012 at 8:36 p.m.

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